Kittie Roslyn, from the Actors and Actresses series (N171) for Gypsy Queen Cigarettes 1886 - 1890

This card depicting the actress Kittie Roslyn was made by Goodwin & Company, for their Gypsy Queen Cigarettes, using photomechanical printing on paper. The card is small, and originally it was one of many. These cards were not conceived as precious works of art, but as promotional items, designed to be collected, traded, and disposed of after use. As such, they reflect the rise of consumer culture in the late 19th century. What's fascinating is how this mass-produced image, made possible by industrial printing techniques, offers a glimpse into the world of entertainment and celebrity culture. Kittie Roslyn, immortalized on a small piece of paper, becomes both a symbol of fame and a commodity. Her image was a token within a broader system of labor, politics, and consumption. Considering the humble materials and the context of its creation, this card challenges the traditional hierarchies between fine art and popular culture.